Occupational Therapist (Part Time)

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 51,000 - 57,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation incentive

Vacation leave 15 days

Sick leave 14 days

Holidays 11

0 premium employee health insurance

Flexible benefits

Parental & Family Medical Leave

retirement plan 6% match

Tuition assistance

Wellness program

Education opportunities

Job summary

The South Dakota Developmental Center is seeking a licensed Occupational Therapist for a part-time positions (≥20 hours weekly). You will provide therapy to enhance independence, daily living skills, and community participation, using ICF-based, client-centered interventions.

Must be licensed in SD and registered with NBCOT, with strong assessment, treatment planning, and collaboration with the care team. The role offers comprehensive benefits and retirement options.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed with the SD State Board as an Occupational Therapist.
• Must be or eligible to be registered with NBCOT.
• Experience providing OT in rehabilitative/ICF settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide OT services to improve daily living and independence.
• Develop and implement treatment plans with the care team.
• Monitor progress and adjust interventions as needed.
• Assist with sensory and motor skill development and social participation.

Skills

Rapport building

Assessment

Treatment programming

Recordkeeping

Supervision

Communication

Cultural sensitivity

Independent work

Education

SD OT license

NBCOT registered

Job description

Job ID: 38162

Agency: SD Developmental Center

Location:Redfield, SDSalary: $37.07-$41.18 Hourly, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: MA

Closing Date: 11/2/26

This is a Part-Time >= 20 Hours Weekly position with the SD Developmental Center. For more information on the SD Developmental Center, please visit https://dhs.sd.gov/en/south-dakota-developmental-center .

Summary:

The South Dakota Developmental Center is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and community inclusion for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities through person-centered services. At SDDC we are comprised of a variety of positions that require differing skill and educational levels to ensure successful operations. SDDC is one of the Divisions of the Department of Human Services, which works together on the common goal of bettering the lives of South Dakotans.

SDDC strives to create an environment where people are inspired and challenged to create excellence, grow their skills, discover advancement opportunities, and are rewarded for their contributions. Join our team as we focus on helping our fellow human beings overcome adversity and reach their full potential.

Our Benefits Include:

• this position is eligible for relocation incentive
• 15 days/120 Hours of Vacation Leave
• 14 days/112 Hours of Sick Leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Employee health insurance includes plan with a $0 premium for employee-only coverage
• Flexible Benefits - Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Critical Illness and more
• Paid Parental & Family Medical Leave
• 6% Fully Matched Retirement Plan
• Reduced Tuition for In-State Colleges/Universities
• Employee Wellness Program
• Continued Education/Training Opportunities

Job Summary:

Must be licensed with the South Dakota State Board as an Occupational Therapist. Must be or eligible to be registered as an Occupational Therapist through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapy (OT) will strive to improve their independence, social engagement, and overall quality of life by focusing on daily living skills, motor and sensory processing, and emotional regulation. This therapy uses customized interventions within the ICF setting and the community to help clients perform daily activities safely, build confidence, and participate more fully in life. OT help with both basic activities of daily living, self-feeding concerns, adaptive equipment, food consistencies. Therapy will focuses on improving fine and gross motor coordination, motor planning, and sensory processing, which is crucial for tasks like handwriting, feeding, and navigating the environment. Therapist will work to increase social engagement and community participation through activities that help clients build social skills and maintain relationships. Occupational Therapy will help individuals manage challenging behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and build self-esteem. Assisting adults in developing the skills needed to achieve their employment goals and engage in fulfilling leisure activities. Occupational therapist will assist with sensory challenges by using structured therapies, environmental adjustments, and skill-building activities to improve how clients process and respond to sensory input. The goal is to make everyday life such as school, work, play, and social interactions more manageable and enjoyable. Occupational therapists help with behaviors by identifying the root causes, such as sensory processing challenges, emotional regulation difficulties, or environmental stressors. They then teach practical strategies to improve daily functioning and self-control. Participates in interdisciplinary client review meetings by providing recommendations for treatment and progress reports to ensure each client receives an individualized treatment plan. Performs other work as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must be licensed with the South Dakota State Board as an Occupational Therapist. Must be or eligible to be registered as an Occupational Therapist through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

The ideal candidate would be registered as an Occupational Therapist who conducts, coordinates, guides and provides therapy services to improve the function, comfort and training potential of a person who has intellectual developmental disabilities.

Knowledge of:

• the methods, techniques, and purposes of occupational therapy as the apply to a given rehabilitative setting;
• new developments in the field of occupational therapy;
• the care and operation of occupational therapy equipment;
• sensory techniques, methods and practices that are utilized with people who are struggling emotionally and behaviorally;
• therapeutic communication skills;
• treatment planning, charting and report writing;
• co-occurring disorders;
• sensory assessment tools and screening devices.

Ability to:

• establish rapport with clients and staff;
• evaluate the condition of patients in relation to occupational therapy and to establish an appropriate treatment program;
• initiate new programming;
• maintain accurate records and reports of patient treatment and progress;
• supervise;
• follow instructions;
• maintain a helpful and sympathetic attitude toward patients;
• communicate effectively;
• work effectively with emotionally, socially and behaviorally challenged patients;
• deal effectively with patients from diverse ethnic and sociological backgrounds;
• work with the patients' clinical and treatment team to implement OT programming;
• research sensory techniques and keep up on industry changes;
• work independently and meet deadlines.

Additional Requirements:

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration

Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'

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